Explore National Parks by Train with iBestTravel

More than a century ago, when the first US national parks were formed, most visitors didn’t arrive by car or in RVs, but on trains. Automobiles were still prohibitively expensive, and there were no interstate highways then – most existing thoroughfares would have made for a rough road trip anyways.

While cars have eventually become king, there’s magic and grandeur in arriving at a national park the old-fashioned way, ensconced in a railway car. No matter what kind of scenery you’re craving, from snow-capped mountains to raging rivers, there are several Amtrak train route options to choose from.

Get to Yellowstone National Park on the California Zephyr

Route: Chicago to San Francisco

Is there an Amtrak route through Yellowstone National Park? You can take the California Zephyr, which goes from Chicago to San Francisco, to get to Yellowstone National Park. While onboard, you’ll see everything from farmland and barns to mountainous terrain. Yellowstone is home to approximately half of the world’s geysers, including the renowned Old Faithful, and an endless variety of wildlife, from elk to grizzly bears and bison.

Getting to the park: You can take the Blue Line from Salt Lake City Central train station to the Salt Lake City airport, where you can pick up the Salt Lake Express north to West Yellowstone.

Reach Glacier National Park on the Empire Builder

Route: Chicago to Portland/Seattle

The Empire Builder provides you with authentic scenery of the American West while heading through the northern United States. It follows parts of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and leads you to Montana’s East Glacier station, on the periphery of Glacier National Park. Here, you can explore more than 700 miles of hiking trails as well as over 130 lakes.

Getting to the park: Use the East Side Shuttle from Glacier Park Lodge to St Mary Village, where you can catch the National Park Service Shuttle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Reach Crater Lake National Park aboard the Coast Starlight

Route: Los Angeles to Seattle

The Coast Starlight takes you north from Los Angeles toward Seattle, leading you to Crater Lake National Park. This stunning location spans over 183,000 acres and offers a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, and admiring the park’s deep turquoise lake.

Getting to the park: Get off the train at Klamath Falls and then use a shuttle bus connection to the park.

Visit Olympic National Park via the Empire Builder or Coast Starlight

Route: Empire Builder (Chicago to Portland/Seattle) or Coast Starlight (Los Angeles to Seattle)

Your choice of train route for reaching Olympic National Park depends largely on your preference – land or ocean views. At the park itself, you can engage with nature in countless ways, from hiking the Hoh Rain Forest to skiing at Hurricane Ridge.

Getting to the park: From Seattle’s King Street train station, take the Dungeness Bus Line to Sequim or Port Angeles, where you can find transportation to popular destinations along the northern part of Hwy 101.

Travel to Yosemite National Park on the San Joaquins

Route: Bakersfield to Sacramento/Oakland

The San Joaquins connects the San Francisco area with several California cities and makes for a scenic journey to Yosemite National Park. You’ll witness beautiful scenery along the way, including the Sierra Nevada mountains and expansive orchards.

Getting to the park: After reaching Merced, you can transfer to an Amtrak bus that will take you to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance.

Get to Grand Canyon National Park on the Southwest Chief

Route: Chicago to Los Angeles

The Southwest Chief will guide you through diverse landscapes before reaching the Grand Canyon National Park. This remarkable destination features stunning canyon views and a myriad of activities, including exploring the Colorado River.

Getting to the park: Disembark at Flagstaff Station and catch the Groome Shuttle to Williams, where you can board the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim.

Reach Rocky Mountain National Park on the California Zephyr

Route: Chicago to San Francisco

Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco and is an excellent option for reaching Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy breathtaking scenery on the train before exploring the park’s vast trails and observing its diverse wildlife.

Getting to the park: After arriving at Denver’s Union Station, catch the Estes Park Shuttle to the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Reach Channel Islands National Park aboard the Pacific Surfliner

Route: San Diego to San Luis Obispo

The Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic journey along the coast, passing through picturesque towns and vineyards. It’s a perfect route for surfers and cyclists who can bring their equipment to the Channel Islands, where numerous activities await.

Getting to the park: Depart the train in Ventura or Oxnard to reach the Channel Islands, then take a boat through Island Packers to get to the islands themselves.

Visit Harpers Ferry National Park on the Capitol Limited

Route: Chicago to Washington, DC

The Capitol Limited train will take you from Chicago to Washington, DC, offering views of the Potomac Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. When visiting Harpers Ferry, you might consider bringing your bike to explore the charming community with rich history.

Getting to the park: Arrive at the Harpers Ferry station, just a ten-minute walk from the park information center.

Reach Jean Lafitte National Park on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited

Route: Los Angeles to New Orleans

On the Sunset Limited route, you’ll witness beautiful desert scenery while heading to Jean Lafitte National Park, which is known for its lush wetlands and diverse wildlife.

Getting to the park: From the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, you can take a taxi or rideshare service for a short drive to the park.

Can I get to Zion National Park on an Amtrak train?

Unfortunately, there is no direct Amtrak route through Zion National Park. The closest station is on the Southwest Chief route, which stops in Flagstaff, Arizona, about a four-hour drive from the park.

Does Amtrak go to Sequoia National Park?

No, there is no Amtrak that connects to Sequoia National Park. The closest stations are in Hanford, California (about an hour drive away) and Fresno (about a 1.5-hour drive away).